Some flowers blossom and fade very quickly, so if you're not paying attention you may miss them all together. I gave a friend some of the wild woodland iris which a mutual friend had given to me. He didn't check the garden the day they bloomed, so I had to tell him what they would have looked like. He's more on his toes this year. ;-)

Hi fr. Austin,Hope you are not being over scrutinised(!)and I hope you had a good rest after Easter too. Thanks for your inclusive prayers re the horrendous church situation too and for giving us your honest thoughts. Fr Paul over at People for Others this week is trying out something interesting and I really feel for him as he is clearly in a lot of pain about things at present as are so many other priests.I just wanted you to know that you are doing a great job here.(By the way,did you get the copies of my books yet. If so, please let me know if you enjoyed them, or not !!) I would welcome your comments.GodblessPhil

Sorry I'm so late in answering your question. Yes, apparently they bloom for one day. Odd.

BTW, I'm returning to my gardening after sorely neglecting it for 2 or 3 years. The other day I ordered some hollyhocks for one of the raised flower beds in front of the house, because I remembered you said you had fond memories of that flower. I've never had hollyhocks before, but "Why not?" I said to myself. I'll think of you when I look at them. ;-)

Then I'm keeping up the tradition, because my yard (or at least my back yard) could well be characterized as "a bit of a wild yard," although it's becoming more civilized. The hollyhocks are probably going in the front flower garden, though, in the raised beds.

WORD FOR THE WEEKEND 3/8

Click on the bible for this coming Sunday's readings and some notes to help you understand them.

A Blessing for Lent

Click above for a sung Lenten blessing

Lent 2015

For a pocket cross with this scripture verse, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Concord Pastor, 55 Church Street, Concord, MA 01742

Music for Winter Prayer

(Click on the image for a prayer)

href="http://ekaterinasfluff.com/album/the-keys-of-e">The Keys of E by Ekaterina

A daily prayer

A song and prayer for Lent

I need a clean heart this Lent, Lord, so in these 40 days I pray you'll: sweep, dust, cleanse, mend, repair, forgive, purify and strengthen this heart of mine... And because I need a new spirit within me, Lord, I pray you'll: renew my listless spirit, lift up my drooping spirit, rekindle my burned-out spirit, open up my selfish spirit, refresh my failing spirit, energize my tired spirit, pardon my sinful spirit and put a right spirit within me, within this heart of mine...

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?

The best place to start is always one of your local Catholic churches. Drop in some Sunday and see what's going on. Then you might speak to the pastor or someone on the parish staff about how they can help you and respond to your questions.